Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker has been selected as jury president for the features competition at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The festival’s fifth edition is scheduled to take place in Jeddah from December 3 to 14, with Sean Baker Red Sea Film Festival now a major focal point for global cinema enthusiasts and industry leaders.
Sean Baker Leads Features Jury for Milestone Festival Edition
Sean Baker, acclaimed for his recent film Anora, will head the Red Sea International Film Festival’s features jury, following last year’s president Spike Lee. This year’s lineup boasts notable films, including Angelina Jolie’s Couture, The Wizard of the Kremlin starring Jude Law and Paul Dano, and Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior featuring Ben Kingsley and Anthony Mackie. The festival aims to highlight bold, diverse voices from across the globe, continuing its commitment to vibrant international storytelling.
“It’s an honor to serve as jury president for the Red Sea International Film Festival this year, taking the baton from Spike Lee,”
Sean Baker, Jury President.
“I’ve long admired how the festival champions bold, diverse voices from across the globe, and this year’s Feature Competition showcases some of the most daring and exciting new voices from the Arab world, Africa and Asia. Festivals like Red Sea IFF give independent films a vital platform and connect them with a global audience, I’m thrilled to be part of that celebration of cinema and look forward to engaging with the incredible titles in the competition lineup.”
Sean Baker, Jury President.
Spotlight on Filmmaking Excellence and Industry Talent
Sean Baker has won broad recognition for his inventive approach to independent cinema. His film Anora secured five Oscars earlier in the year, including honors for best picture, director, original screenplay, editing, and actress Mikey Madison. Previous works such as Tangerine, shot entirely on an iPhone, and The Florida Project have confirmed his pioneering reputation. Notably, Baker’s selection comes on the heels of his acclaimed performance at the 2025 Academy Awards.
The Red Sea Film Festival’s upcoming edition will also feature major talents and premieres, offering a platform for celebrated actors like Jude Law, Paul Dano, Angelina Jolie, Ben Kingsley, and Anthony Mackie. Industry buzz has highlighted additional stories from regions such as the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, reflecting the festival’s global ambition.
Festival’s Vision and Leadership in Focus
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, spoke to Baker’s influence, stating,
“Sean Baker is a trailblazing director whose dedication to championing authentic and meaningful storytelling through film is truly inspiring. He has continually pushed the boundaries of cinema with authentic storytelling and an unmistakable artistic vision, and we deeply admire his commitment to independent filmmaking. We are very proud to be bringing him on board to lead our features jury this year, fresh off his record-breaking success at the 2025 Academy Awards for our very special fifth edition.”
Faisal Baltyuor, CEO.
Recent festival editions have attracted notable participants and offered glimpses into future trends within global cinema, with previous competitions highlighting the ambitions of Asian, African, and Arab filmmakers. The festival’s efforts have been vital in drawing international audiences and boosting cross-cultural dialogue in film.
What Baker’s Leadership Means for the Festival and Global Cinema
The return of the Red Sea Film Festival with Sean Baker as jury president reinforces the event’s status as a key hub for cinematic innovation. With filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world converging for this landmark fifth edition, anticipation runs high for new discoveries in storytelling and creative vision. The festival’s influence continues to grow, promising fresh opportunities for emerging voices and established artists alike within the evolving landscape of international film.
